Need Help with Purchasing Ball Joints
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Senior User
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Need Help with Purchasing Ball Joints
I have a 97 (8/97) F250HD with the 460V8 and E40D transmission. I need to replace the front ball joints bad. I'm not sure which ones to get, but I've narrowed it down. I know I used a 96 F250, that's because whenever I order something for a 97 F250 I get crap for a 99 Super Duty.
For the uppers I have (not sure which one to get):
For the lowers I have:
I'm not sure what gear ratio I have in it. Can anyone tell me from the axle code on my door jam sticker? I tried using the decoder, but it didn't help. The AXLE code is C9. And the BRK (Brake, right?) code is B. The front axle weight is 3850lb. And the SPR (Spring, right?) code is 7F.
Also for the pivot bushings, I have the 5/8" bolts right? Since it's 4x4.
Is this axle the 44 or D50?
Thanks,
-Andrew
For the uppers I have (not sure which one to get):
For the lowers I have:
I'm not sure what gear ratio I have in it. Can anyone tell me from the axle code on my door jam sticker? I tried using the decoder, but it didn't help. The AXLE code is C9. And the BRK (Brake, right?) code is B. The front axle weight is 3850lb. And the SPR (Spring, right?) code is 7F.
Also for the pivot bushings, I have the 5/8" bolts right? Since it's 4x4.
Is this axle the 44 or D50?
Thanks,
-Andrew
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: New Jersey
You "X"'d out all the 2wd options so I presume you have a 4wd truck.
The difference between the "regular" and "HD" ball joints is the material used to make the ball joint shanks - the HD ones are a bit stronger as they have a higher nickel content.
Other than that, they are the same. Since your truck is an HD, get the HD ball joints as this maintains your vehicle's current load capacity.
As far as pilot bushings, maybe someone else will chime in. My truck is an F350 2wd, so I don't want to guess and steer you incorrectly.
The difference between the "regular" and "HD" ball joints is the material used to make the ball joint shanks - the HD ones are a bit stronger as they have a higher nickel content.
Other than that, they are the same. Since your truck is an HD, get the HD ball joints as this maintains your vehicle's current load capacity.
As far as pilot bushings, maybe someone else will chime in. My truck is an F350 2wd, so I don't want to guess and steer you incorrectly.
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Well, the lower ball joints that I ordered are definately wrong, they are about 1/4" less diameter than the ones on the truck. I didn't tear it apart to find out if the uppers are wrong, because I have no other way to compare it.
The sticker on my door jam says the front axle is 3850lbs. Does anyone know why this won't work.... Can someone decode my axle code and tell me if I have 4.10s?
And yes I do have 4x4.
The sticker on my door jam says the front axle is 3850lbs. Does anyone know why this won't work.... Can someone decode my axle code and tell me if I have 4.10s?
And yes I do have 4x4.
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From: maine
I will only use mog parts on my truck. I have never had good luck with any other.
As far the axel ratio, look on the diff is self, and look for the tag. If that does not work. Jack up on front tire, lock the hubs, and spin it. Count the turns of the drive shaft for one turn on the tire. 1 turn on the tire= 4.1 turns of the drive shaft for 4.10 and 1 turn tire= 3.55 turns of drive shaft for 3.55.
Go to a good parts store, they will get you the right parts. And if you still want to get them of the net, just get them to wright the part # down "for when you come back".
As far the axel ratio, look on the diff is self, and look for the tag. If that does not work. Jack up on front tire, lock the hubs, and spin it. Count the turns of the drive shaft for one turn on the tire. 1 turn on the tire= 4.1 turns of the drive shaft for 4.10 and 1 turn tire= 3.55 turns of drive shaft for 3.55.
Go to a good parts store, they will get you the right parts. And if you still want to get them of the net, just get them to wright the part # down "for when you come back".
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I tried NAPA, they said they didn't have any lowers for my truck, only 2WD. So I went to Advance auto and those are my choices. Who sells Moog parts? Why would the axle ratio matter with the ball joints, I thought it'd just be a diffent R&P, unless the higher ratio meant stronger axle, but then wouldn't that be listed on the door jam (3850lb axle, etc)?
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: maine
Not sure who would sell moog around you. But most of the part stores around here do. I stay away from most of the big chain parts dealers. They hire most anybody that will work for what they pay. Go to a small chain, or better yet a one store.
As for the axel ratio, you are right. They sometime but a stronger parts for a h.d. or plow pakag. And most of the time it only comes with one or two ratioes.
As for the axel ratio, you are right. They sometime but a stronger parts for a h.d. or plow pakag. And most of the time it only comes with one or two ratioes.
